Jammu, July 9 (IANS): A rape accused escaped from police custody when he was taken for a medical check-up in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir, a senior police officer said on Thursday.

"Arif Jatt, a resident of Dhanidhar in Rajouri district arrested along with two other accused on rape charge, escaped from police custody yesterday (Wednesday)," the officer told IANS here.

An FIR under sections 376, 109 and 366 was registered against the accused at Rajouri police station after his escape.

Arif escaped when he was taken for a medical check-up to Rajouri district hospital on Wednesday following court directions.

A manhunt has been launched to arrest him and an inquiry ordered into the incident.

The alleged victim had deposed before a magistrate while lodging a rape complaint against the accused in 2011.

Claiming slow police investigation, she again approached the court, which ordered the immediate arrest of Arif.

During the 2014 Lok Sabha election, the accused was appointed general secretary of the Youth Congress of Jammu-Poonch region.